John Eliot Bergman

Charlton: John Eliot Bergman, formerly of Southbridge, died suddenly Monday morning, February 2, at the age of 71. He had lived for the past year and a half at Overlook Skilled Nursing Facility in Charlton, where he had become ill the night before he died. He took a turn for the worse overnight and was rushed to Harrington Hospital in the wee hours, where doctors were unable to revive him.

John was born in New York City, but moved to Southbridge before his first birthday when his parents took over the Sturbridge Yankee Workshop. He attended public schools in Southbridge before graduating from Worcester Academy. He continued his studies at Curry College and UMass Amherst, but stopped short of a degree. In more recent years, John had lived in various places in Connecticut and Massachusetts before settling at the old Cordis Mills Apartments in Millbury, where he resided for 12 years.

John had a religious awakening in his early 30's, and his faith and membership in The Local Church in Worcester became a defining part of his life. He was also a friend of Bill W., with close to 20 years of sobriety under his belt, of which he was justly proud.

John made friends easily and kept most of them his entire life. He always had a kind word for everybody he met, regardless of their background or station in life. He was simply the sweetest guy you could ever hope to meet. Though he never used a computer and often struggled to figure out his "smart" phone, John loved sending cards to people, just to let them know he was thinking of them and cared for them. He was known for his quick wit and his unique sense of humor, and loved to crack people up, including himself.

He was also a passionate music lover. He learned to play piano and guitar at a young age, and had a fine singing voice. In his younger years, John managed to catch many of the iconic bands of the 1960's and '70's, and more recently, many of his favorite folk and bluegrass artists. He kept a large and eclectic CD collection, which he delved into frequently. He had an uncanny memory for song lyrics, which always astounded his music-loving friends. He was also an avid sports fan, and loved following the Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.

John is survived by his younger sister, Annie, of Southbridge, who was a tremendous help to him, especially in his later years. He also leaves his Towler cousins, of Vermont and Arizona, who loved him dearly and will miss him greatly. In addition, he leaves legions of friends, in the church, in the program, and elsewhere, who helped see him through some of life's toughest challenges, as he did for them.

He will be laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Southbridge, alongside his parents.

His family wishes to give special thanks to the staff at Overlook, in addition to Karen Martin, who helped John so much in recent years, as well as the many friends who faithfully kept up with him and warmed his heart right to the end.

A memorial gathering in celebration of John's life will be held in the spring, at a time and place to be announced. Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge is directing arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in John's memory are urged to give to their local food bank.